We have always loved traveling in the Fall. Beautiful colors, crisp clear weather, fewer crowds than during the busy summer tourist season. But this year was different from past Autumn roadtrips. Just after I snapped the typical mid-west Fall picture above (near Billings Montana) it started to snow.
And it snowed almost the entire time as we drove to Rapid City South Dakota (about 350 miles). It made for pretty drive-by pictures and the roads were mostly bare, so it wasn't really a harrowing experience. But this wasn't even the middle of OCTOBER! Fall has barely started.
We weren't completely surprised by the early Winter. The week before we left Oregon, South Dakota had suffered through a devastating and unexpected blizzard. But the weather had warmed up (we thought) by the time we left for our roadtrip.
This snow, in the Black Hills village of Lead, fell during the night while we were staying in Rapid City. We were driving around the area with our son who came from Colorado to spend a couple of days with us. We had a great visit and I will have further posts next week -- there's a lot to see in this area of SD.
But snow is such a rarity for us, our early (and we hope only) wintery pictures get their own post.
SHARING WITH: Gemma's SCENIC WEEKENDS and Mary's MOSAIC MONDAY. Thank you to both hosts.
Dearest Sallie,
OMG, what a surprise (for me!) to see the snow☆☆☆ The weather seems kind of abnormal, doesn't it... But pictures were beautiful p;)
So sorry for my recent absence and belated comment. My father had a bit of trouble eating and losing weight a lot (getting weaker). So I was a bit busy tending him and also moving places.
Lots of Love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | October 24, 2013 at 01:23 AM
No, no, no! Been there, done that. Don't wanna do it no more! Nice pics, though. I can look at snow pictures with no problem. But never hand me a shovel. I'll probably go stark raving mad! :)
Posted by: Lowell | October 22, 2013 at 04:29 PM
Nice photos! As long as the snow doesn't mess up your travel plans, it's a good thing. We're out in the desert (Joshua Tree) right now and there was some snow in higher elevations already when we got here last week. It sounds like you are having a great trip!
Posted by: Pat | October 22, 2013 at 12:03 PM
I'm just not ready for snow yet LOL
Posted by: Joe Todd | October 22, 2013 at 05:36 AM
Looks like you had a surprise between MT and SD! My house is surrounded by the white stuff.
Posted by: Barb | October 21, 2013 at 07:43 PM
We're getting a hard freeze here tonight. Snow. Blah.
Posted by: Sharon Wagner | October 21, 2013 at 05:58 AM
very pretty but makes me shiver
Posted by: gerald | October 21, 2013 at 01:08 AM
Oh it's so lovely to hear someone talking about the "black hills" I've always loved western movies!
WOW that is some snow - I would love to see it - where I live in New Zealand we don't get snow!
Your mosaic images are breathtaking!
I'm visiting from Mosaic Monday.
Hugs
Shane
Posted by: Shane | October 21, 2013 at 12:04 AM
you have an early winter, and we have a late winter. We have had so much rain during September, and there has already been more rain in October than usual. I am wondering when it will end - though we need the water!
Safe travels and Enjoy your last days of Autumn.
Posted by: Life Images by Jill | October 20, 2013 at 10:35 PM
It sure looks pretty! It's still hot down here but it supposed to change this week! Take care and enjoy your week!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | October 20, 2013 at 06:52 PM
There has been snow early in a few places but I can wait for ours here in Ontario. I'm glad the roads remained bare and safe for driving for your visit.
Posted by: Lavender Cottage | October 20, 2013 at 05:10 PM
SNOW!!! Yes it is early here also. You both drive careful and get to that lovely little cottage on the sea!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | October 20, 2013 at 05:03 PM
What a surprise! I agree with you about travels in the shoulder seasons! Not in the snow, mind you...
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | October 20, 2013 at 01:38 PM
I've patiently been waiting for the weather to cool here and the leaves to change color. We're going on a drive tomorrow. But, I am so jealous of your snow! :) After fall I can hardly wait for the first snowfall. Your photos really made me smile knowing it won't really be long now.
Posted by: Carletta | October 19, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Beautiful! I adore snow and will even travel to it if we don't get enough to satisfy me:) I wouldn't want to drive an RV in it though so am glad the roads were good! Happy to hear your son was able to visit you in South Dakota--a visit from your kids is always wonderful!
Blessings, Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | October 19, 2013 at 11:30 PM
Oh wow, all that snow already? Glad it did not impede your progress and how great to have your son join you for a little while. Great photos!
Posted by: DeniseinVA | October 19, 2013 at 09:21 PM
Maybe Old Man Winter was jealous of all the attention, Stately, Classic Autumn was getting! Talk about vanquished. Beautiful fall postcards--and Christmas cards!
Posted by: SandyCarlson | October 19, 2013 at 07:15 PM
I remember it well, but sure don't miss it. Lovely photos...brrrr!
Posted by: bettyl | October 19, 2013 at 02:07 PM
That's a lot of snow, and this early! This is an interesting post with expreaaive pictures.
Posted by: Charlene | October 19, 2013 at 01:15 PM
We had a wee bit snow falling this Friday, but luckily nothing that stayed. :)
Posted by: Lena Ericsson | October 19, 2013 at 09:58 AM
What a surprise ! We had snow here too... but on the top of the mountains. I like it but not too early...
Posted by: Annie | October 19, 2013 at 09:14 AM
For me personally, snow is a real treat, though maybe not in October. With the change in weather patterns it really is not too surprising, here it feels like summer and New South Wales has already suffered massive wildfires with a loss of 1-200 homes and one life. Looks like we just have be more resilient and take the weather as it comes rather than what we have been able to expect until now. A bummer, but there it is.
Enjoy your wonderful fall trip snow not withstanding.
Posted by: Arija | October 19, 2013 at 07:03 AM
Amazing amount of snow...wonder if that's a peek into how it will be this winter?
Posted by: Sondra | October 19, 2013 at 05:34 AM
that's a lot of snow !!
pretty pics
Posted by: dianne7777 | October 19, 2013 at 04:53 AM
Forgot to say what a great pic it is with the house and the snow.
Posted by: diane | October 19, 2013 at 04:33 AM
That is amazing snow already. We have summer early too.
Posted by: diane | October 19, 2013 at 04:33 AM
Mr. Snow never stops by anywhere.
So he arrives very early this time.
Posted by: Rainfield (雨田 Malaysia） | October 19, 2013 at 02:45 AM
ach nee Schnee möchte ich noch nicht haben Sallie
LG zum Wochenende vom katerchen
Posted by: katerchen | October 19, 2013 at 02:16 AM
Wow, it is early for the snow! I could go all winter without seeing snow and be happy! Your photos are pretty. Have a happy weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | October 19, 2013 at 01:17 AM
Great post, lovely to study!
Posted by: HansHB | October 18, 2013 at 11:52 PM
Beautiful snowy photos - but it looks really really cold! I think I'd rather have my own hot summer weather1
Posted by: Mick | October 18, 2013 at 11:19 PM
Snow in October ??? I get a nervous breakdown ! I have seen these beautiful landscapes in South and North Dakota and have spent a night in Rapid city, long time ago (in 1971)fortunately it was in August. My aunt had married an American and his parents lived for a while in North Dakota before moving down to Wisconsin. But that was end the 1800, lol !
Posted by: Gattina | October 18, 2013 at 10:03 PM
Wow you guys are braving this kind of weather! Keep my fingers crossed for no-more-snowstorms! Keep warm:)
Posted by: Jesh. StG | October 18, 2013 at 09:56 PM
Beautiful and scenic. The snow hill looks wonderful.
Posted by: Rajesh | October 18, 2013 at 09:44 PM
That's a lot of snow form mid-October. I left the North Rim and it dropped 5" that night. Pretty to look at from somewhere warm, and preferably not out on the highway.
Posted by: Gaelyn | October 18, 2013 at 09:33 PM
Not sure that I want to see snow yet ~ Beautiful photos and other photos are fantastic ~ do hope you are safe and having fun ~ Wonderful photography ~ carol, xo
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | October 18, 2013 at 05:30 PM
Beautiful shots. I love the way the early snow looks and glad driving wasn't an issue.
Posted by: Carver | October 18, 2013 at 05:07 PM
We had snow this morning too, but that's not unusual given the time of year and elevations in this part of the country. It does make for pretty photos!
Posted by: Al | October 18, 2013 at 04:37 PM
Sheesh, cannot believe it snowed already! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous. And since we rarely see any of the white stuff, I enjoy looking at those who take the time to photograph it for us snow-deprived souls in the south. Be safe on those roads!
Posted by: Gail | October 18, 2013 at 04:32 PM
Oh I am not ready for snow yet....
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | October 18, 2013 at 04:07 PM
These snowy scenes are magical - especially the snow bound home. And lovely the soft misty blue tones too.
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | October 18, 2013 at 01:28 PM
Oh my. I hope this isn't a sign of a rough winter ahead. The best way to see snow is just as you are now, Sallie, heading into the warmth of the south. Beautiful photos.
Posted by: Penny | October 18, 2013 at 10:35 AM
Oh my goodness, so early! We have been warned that we are in for a hard winter here in the UK, is this a sign I wonder?
Posted by: lindyloumacinitaly | October 18, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Oh my, Sallie, - the snow is a shadow on the gleaming colours in the valley these days. One is inclined to think melancholy November will never come.... Your snow pictures are beautiful, but not really relevant to October....
Posted by: Hildred | October 18, 2013 at 09:48 AM
wow, again more early snow for that area! bless them as they suffer with the tragedies of the first blizzard. those poor cattle ranchers...
Posted by: TexWisGirl | October 18, 2013 at 09:26 AM